Archetype. It means an original pattern of which all other similar persons, objects, or concepts are derived, copied, modeled, or emulated.

Basically, archetypes come from the basic personality types that make up all people. And we take those strong personality types to create our larger-than-life characters. I think, the more thought and planning one puts into developing a fictional character, by weaving in a few realistic traits, the more three dimensional of a character ends up coming alive on the pages.

These are our Frodo's, our Aslan's, Harry's, Peter Pan's and I can go on. Those characters that stick with us, are unforgettable and so realistic that readers talk and think about them as if they were real people, indeed.

Today, I'll go over some of the archetypes that are most popular. These are ones that have resonated most over the past generations of literature.

​The Ego TypesInward, or self, centered. I think of the BODY when I consider these types. ​

1. The InnocentThe free-spirited, wants to be happy and is often a little naive. They are your romantics, dreamers, mystics. Places we've seen Innocents:Pippen from LOTR, the Unicorn from The Last Unicorn, Snow White, Dory. ​

2. The Orphan/Regular Guy or GalThe one who desires to belong, most down to earth, emphatic, realistic, the good friend or neighbor.

Places we've seen the Orphan:Ron, from Harry Potter, Merry from LOTR, Simba from The Lion King. (But he's also a hero)

3. The HeroCompetent, courageous, also known as a warrior, rescuer, superhero. Often also considered the Chosen One. They can be arrogant, over-determined, and apathetic when trying to attain their goals. They will keep going and find a way to get what they want.

Places we've seen the Hero:Frodo from LOTR, Harry from Harry Potter, Neo from The Matrix, Atreyu from The Neverending Story,

4. The CaregiverProtector and caregiver of others, generous, altruistic, helper. Can become a martyr and can also be easily exploited. They can also easily exploit others.

The Soul TypesThe innermost being. I think of the HEART when I consider these types.

5. The ExplorerThey need and seek out freedom. The seeker, wanderer, individualist or pilgrim. Because they can't settle down they can become misfits, tend to be aimless and feel emptiness though they fear becoming trapped.

Places we've seen Explorers:Indiana Jones, Captain Kirk from Star Trek, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Belle from Beauty and the Beast,

6. The Rebel (Guard your hearts)The rule breaker, the revolutionary, wild man, misfit, outlaw and iconoclast. Often driven by revenge or revolution. Can be prone to crossing over to the dark side.

Places we've seen the Rebel/Outlaw:Katniss from The Hunger Games, the Wolverine, Batman, Hermoine from HP (despite her desire to follow the rules, she fights against the treatment of house elves and mudbloods and organizes Dumbledor's Army.) Captain Sparrow and Robin Hood.

​7. The LoverPeople-person, out-ward directed, passion, gratitude, commitment and loyal friend. But they are also afraid of being left out, of being alone and will transform themselves to be whatever others need them to be.

8. The CreatorWhatever they imagine, they will find a way for it to be done. The artist, inventor, dreamer. Sometimes their greatest fear is being mediocre to the point they'll never accomplish anything because it isn't good enough. ​Places we've seen Creators:Wednesday Addams from the Addams Family, Doc from Back to the Future, Tony Stark from Iron Man, the Dwarves from LOTR.

​

The Self TypesThinking and dreaming. I think of the MIND when I consider these types.

Places we've seen the Jester:Weasley twins from Harry Potter, Merry and Pippen from LOTR, Beetlejuice, the Genie from Aladdin.

10. The SageThey will seek out the truth, they are the philosopher, the thinking, detective, teacher, planner.Sometimes they get so caught up in their studies that they never act.

Places we've seen the Sage:Of course, Gandalf from LOTR, Spock from Star Trek, but also the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, and Haymitch (despite being a drunk) from The Hunger Games.

11. The MagicianThe one who makes things happen. Also known as the visionary, the healer, shaman, catalyst and inventor. Their problem is that they usually want to use their power for their own purposes.They can be manipulative.

Places we see the Magician:King Haggard from The Last Unicorn, Sarumon from LOTR, Snape from Harry Potter, and Gandalf from LOTR.

​12. The RulerThey desire control and power. They are leaders, aristocrats, the person who manages the rest of the gang.

Places we've seen Rulers:Aragorn from LOTR, President Snow from Hunger Games, The Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland, Darth Vadar from Star Wars.Not all ruler characters are the bad guy, but a lot of them are.

Thank You and a Parting Gift...

I hope this was helpful in breaking down Archetypes for you. I tried to keep something very complex and fascinating as simple as possible for you.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll have a look around and get to know me a little better. I write both Fantasy and Romance, check the tabs above to see what series I have available.

Before you go, I wanted to talk about one of my books, and then invite you to check out my fantasy Facebook page where you can pick up a free book, just for stopping in.

Today, my newest fantasy release, Blood and Water, is on sale for only .99¢ (Normally, it sells for $3.99!)amzn.to/2XbZMswAnd do please visit me on facebook where you can pick up a freebie on me.

​Kardia's father taught her that with a little bit of hope, nothing was impossible.

So, Kardia held onto the hope that someday her family would have full bellies again. She dared to hope that one day, her old friends would start being kind to one another. And more than anything, she hoped that eventually, her beloved town would find a way to revive itself before the new Regent of their Province came to visit.

​Because as it was, her family had to forage for scraps to survive. Her friends treat each other as enemies. And if the Regent did arrive to find Goia in its current state, he might cast everyone out of their homes and off his land.

A visitor came to town with a strange request. Dadda traded a portion of his land to a man covered with tattoos, in return for a vast amount of gold coins. With their new riches, her family had plenty to eat and a fine home to live in. Her beloved Goia began to thrive once again.

One problem. The contract stated that the sorcerer would receive everything that was on the traded parcel of land at the time of the transaction. Which included Kardia!

The crafty sorcerer was after Kardia and her Sano healing powers all along.

Kardia must find a way out of the contract before the allotted time is up, or their good fortunes and answered wishes will end up costing the townspeople of Goia their freedom and Kardia her life...

Enter an exciting realm of adventures with this new series based in the beloved land of Alburnium. The author who brought you The White Road Chronicles is back with another, gripping series dealing with loss, betrayal, and one girl's desperate attempt to not give up on the only thing she has...hope.

This story is for those who love allegorical, fairytale retellings set in a fantastical world.

If you subscribe to my newsletter, then you know I often features books from friends each week.

These are not necessarily books that I've read, but I do try to feature books from authors who write clean stories in my genres. So, with that said, I encourage you to always check the book out before you purchase. Read reviews, read the blurb, make sure it is something you are comfortable with.

One more disclaimer on prices: They are subject to change and I have no control over that. Some are on Kindle Unlimited (if you are a member, you'll be able to read them for free.

Last year I released The Heart Collector and I must say, it's one of my favorite Madison Creek Township novellas.

When I was younger, I heard about someone writing a letter to their "older" self concerning the guy they hoped to eventually marry. I thought that was a brilliant idea! So, I did the same thing.

You know, planning out these thing in advance is prudent for a young girl who has a whole life spread out before her.

I kept that letter in my special box, waiting year after year for me to open before I married Mr. Right.And that night before my wedding, I opened my secret box, pulled out the yellowed envelope, and slowly opened it. The penmanship was in childish print, odd sized letters and hearts over the i's. The paper was torn from a school notebook and still had the ripped tabs running down the side.

Taking a deep breath, I read through the letter, written by my younger self.

I wish to cordially invite you to join me in celebrating a brand new romance series.

Starting this month, I'm embarking on a new story adventure. Meet the Grimwood family, consisting of three brothers and a sister, who have just inherited their father's billion dollar conglomerate.

Oh, but there's a catch. Each one has been given a portion of Marcus Grimwood's multi-business conglomerate and they must turn a profit with their allotted venture or risk losing their share of the inheritance.

But wait on minute...You're counting five books when I mentioned only four siblings? Ah, you are sharp, aren't you. Well, let me explain.

I'm so excited about this new romance series that will be released this week. I hope you'll enjoy reading about the Grimwood brothers and sister, as much as I'm enjoying writing about them. Today, I'm sharing a sample of the first couple of chapters.

Grab your copy of the first book on January 17th!

Not Your Usual Beauty and the Beast Retelling...

After a motorcycle accident nearly a year ago, jewelry artisan, Duncan Grimwood, still suffers from the aftermath and keeps himself hidden away.

His personal assistant, Barbara, insists it's time he re-enters the real world. She's set up an extravagant holiday gala to display Duncan's latest works and hired the only decorating company willing to take on this big project at the last minute.

Decorating the huge, but neglected, Grimwood Manor for a holiday gala is the chance of a lifetime for Elisa Lucken.

The only catch: Do not disturb the reclusive Duncan Grimwood.That's fine with Elisa--who simply wants to get her job done and get out of the strange mansion.

While absorbed in her work, Elisa doesn't hear the blizzard warning that sent the rest of her crew home. Now she's stuck at the cold, dark manor for the Thanksgiving weekend.​Is there any a chance Duncan Grimwood will come around to reveal the true man hiding behind the beastly exterior?

I know some people like to make resolutions. (Guilty of making and breaking many resolutions). So nowadays, I'm more likely to make "plans" instead of "resolutions."

I know not all my plans will work the way I'm hoping, but by laying down a few dreams, the possibilities begin to come to light and hope springs inside of my heart.​How many of you are already thinking about the year to come? Are your calendars already purchased? Planners filled with fresh pages and ready to go? Goals, or perhaps resolutions, written down. Maybe this year we’ll make it to March before scraping them? Ha.

Author Info

Jackie Castle is an author, artist and dreamer. She lives in Texas with her husband, two grown children and her dog, Banjo. She looks for the extraordinary in the ordinary in everything she experiences.